Riverina Police have established a dedicated investigation, Strike Force Arctis, following a reported increase in serious property and violent offences across Wagga Wagga.

The operation comes as police respond to an increase in aggravated break-and-enter offences, home invasions and incidents involving firearms. The latest report, published on 16 September 2026, says residential break-ins in the Wagga Wagga area have increased significantly over the past 12 months.

According to the report, Wagga Wagga recorded 404 residential break-ins during the relevant period, representing a 40.3 per cent increase. The figures have drawn attention from Riverina Police, who are using the newly established Strike Force Arctis to investigate the circumstances behind the increase and identify alleged criminal networks connected with the offences.

The police operation follows a recent alleged home invasion in Kooringal. Three masked people allegedly entered a residence, with one allegedly armed, and threatened a 23-year-old man before stealing household items. The victim was reportedly not physically injured.

The reported crime increase extends beyond residential break-ins. The latest figures cited in the report include 331 weapons offences and more than 800 assaults, covering both domestic and non-domestic incidents. Police are examining patterns in these offences as part of their broader response.

The reported incidents have also raised concerns about when offences are occurring. Residential break-ins have reportedly been concentrated during nighttime hours, with Sundays and Fridays identified as particularly active periods in the data discussed by the report. Non-domestic assaults, meanwhile, have reportedly occurred predominantly in public places during daytime hours.

Strike Force Arctis is intended to give police a focused structure for investigating the reported increase and pursuing people allegedly involved in repeated or organised offending. The operation forms part of the wider policing response across the Riverina region.

Police investigations remain ongoing. The establishment of a strike force does not mean every offence included in the reported statistics is connected to the same offenders or organisation. Individual incidents must be investigated separately and allegations must be tested through the legal process.

Authorities are also asking members of the public who have information about offences to provide it to Crime Stoppers. Information from residents can assist investigators in identifying suspects, establishing connections between incidents and building evidence for potential prosecutions.

For residents, the latest developments highlight the importance of reporting suspicious activity and securing homes and vehicles, particularly during periods when police data indicates higher levels of offending.

Further details may emerge as Strike Force Arctis investigations continue. Police may release additional information about arrests, charges or specific investigations when appropriate.

At this stage, the confirmed development is the establishment of Strike Force Arctis in response to the reported increase in serious offences across Wagga Wagga. Investigations are continuing.