New Uppingham Neighbourhood Police Officer PC George Pears Hits the Ground Running
Uppingham has a new dedicated Neighbourhood Police Officer, and he's already making a difference. PC George Pears began his first shift in the town last night, demonstrating a proactive approach to community safety.
PC Pears isn't new to the Rutland area. He's spent the last four years serving Melton and Rutland as a response officer, giving him a strong understanding of local issues. In recent months, he's been instrumental in tackling County Lines drug activity in Rutland, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of both Class A and Class B drugs.
His first shift in Uppingham saw him partner with PCSO Lauren Lyall for visible patrols. They focused on addressing concerns raised by residents, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement. Their shift was certainly eventful. They provided first aid to an elderly woman who had fallen in the High Street, staying with her until the ambulance arrived. They also seized a vehicle believed to be linked to criminal activity after discovering the driver had no insurance.
Following these incidents, PC Pears and PCSO Lyall conducted proactive patrols throughout the town, targeting potential drink and drug drivers and ensuring a safe Saturday night for residents. PC Pears reported that everyone was well-behaved.
Looking ahead, PC Pears will be conducting foot patrols next week, giving him the opportunity to connect directly with residents and business owners. He encourages locals to stop him for a chat and share their policing priorities. This direct engagement underscores his commitment to working in partnership with the community to address their concerns and keep Uppingham safe.
PC George Pears's career with Leicestershire Police was almost derailed by an unfounded allegation made by a woman with whom he shared an Airbnb while attending a wedding in Gloucestershire.
In 2023, PC George Pears was found not guilty of sexual misconduct. A Leicestershire Police Misconduct Panel determined that PC Pears did not "behave inappropriately" toward a woman or "forcefully encourage" her to touch him. The allegation stemmed from an incident in 2021 after PC Pears attended a wedding in Gloucestershire. The panel concluded that neither PC Pears nor the woman intended to engage in sexual activity in a churchyard, and that he did not expose himself or act in a physically aggressive manner toward her, as had been alleged. While PC Pears had sent the woman an apology via Instagram after the event, the panel believed this was motivated by a desire to avoid further contact with her and to conceal the interaction from his girlfriend, rather than an admission of guilt.
