POLICE and education officers on an anti-truancy patrol in Newport took eleven pupils who bunked off back to their classrooms.

PC Andy Griffiths said: "The kids are certainly not used to being stopped by a police officer and were shocked to be told they were going to be taken back to school."

The police operation to combat anti-social behaviour in the Pill, Duffryn and Marsh-field areas last week resulted in nine arrests.

Nine people were reported for driving document offences, and 15 stops and searches were carried out.

Operation Calpac was mainly targeted at youths who harass and upset members of the public through anti-social behaviour. PC Griffiths, Pill police section's crime and disorder reduction officer, said: "We had nine arrests for offences ranging from criminal damage to disqualified driving and people wanted on warrant. A couple of the arrests were for possession of cannabis.

"The education welfare officers were out and about on January 27 and 11 children were returned to school, both to Duffryn High and St Joseph's."

At any one time there were eight PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) on duty, assisted by support group officers in vans equipped with CCTV.

There were also special constables and community safety wardens, in addition to sectional officers who were answering calls as normal. PC Griffiths said: "A lot of intelligence was gained by the PCSOs because they do so much walking around and talking to people.

"There were 11 incidents recorded in relation to public order last week compared to 27 for the same week last year."

He said the operation had been in response to requests from residents who feel harassed and upset by anti-social behaviour.