Borough commander Victor Olisa to leave Bexley police (From News Shopper)

Borough commander Victor Olisa to leave Bexley police

1:33pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in Bexley By Alan Woods

BEXLEY’S Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Victor Olisa, will be leaving the borough in March after less than a year in the job.

Mr Olisa became top cop in Bexley last April but will be moving to take over the borough commander’s position in Haringey from March 4.

His replacement – who is yet to be announced – will be Bexley’s fifth borough commander in four years.

Speaking to News Shopper, Mr Olisa said it was not his choice to move on but a decision made “at the highest level.”

He said: “With all the issues around the inquest hearing of the Mark Duggan shooting, that puts Haringey in a different perspective to Bexley.

“I think it’s a vote of confidence moving me from here to head that up at such a sensitive time so I feel grateful to my staff for doing such fantastic work in nine months.

“There’s a bigger picture and a wider significance than just the borough commander leaving and I think it’s going to get more exciting from now on.”

Looking back at his time in Bexley, Mr Olisa said he was proud of the performance figures Bexley Police have achieved.

He said: “Our detection rate for burglary has been the highest in the MET for a while and the highest we’ve seen in ten years which is fantastic.

“Robbery is down 26% and we have hit out detection target on that.

“Our arrest rate for domestic violence has remained above target and that is of significance to me because there is nothing worse than people who live in the comfort of their own home to be assaulted by loved ones.”

Praising the people of Bexley, he added: “Generally the response I’ve had with partners and the public when we have been to meetings has been great.

“People have been challenging and very constructive and have been willing to help.

“As we’ve seen with burglary they have been willing to help the police and work with us towards making Bexley a safer borough.”

Mr Olisa, who began his police career with Surrey Police in 1982, concluded: “Without reservation I have enjoyed my time here.”