City council education convener Councillor Kevin Keenan said, “Pupils cannot expect to achieve anything if they do not come to school. They are missing the chance to get on and learn many things.”

A total of 71 out of school with no reason were stopped by the patrols across Dundee last week.

Education welfare officers and police officers spoke to pupils, and those who did not have permission had their name taken and a letter sent to their parents or carers.

There were even parents caught with their children in shops when the pupil should have been at school.

Other parents have phoned education officers after receiving the letters to thank them.

“There is a direct link between attendance and attainment, and the simple fact is that pupils who play truant are putting their own future in danger,” said Councillor Keenan.

“Being absent is just not acceptable. Pupils could be putting themselves in danger, and there is also the real fear they could go on to commit crime.”

Attendance rates at schools in Dundee are among the worst in Scotland, according to the latest figures, but there is evidence truancy has been reduced.

Constable Gavin Munro, of Tayside Police, said, “The children caught came from schools across Dundee.

“There are possible links between truancy, anti-social behaviour and crime. We hope this operation will have an impact on these problems.

“The aim is to work even more closely with schools, looking at developing an ongoing programme targeting pupils who are absent without reason.”