Riverina Police have established a specialised task force in Wagga Wagga to investigate a series of aggravated break-and-enter offences, home invasions and firearm-related incidents. The operation, known as Strike Force Arctis, was established this month and follows a recent alleged home invasion in Kooringal. Police say three masked people entered a Chifley Crescent residence during the early hours of the morning, with one allegedly carrying a firearm. A 23-year-old man was inside the property at the time and was reportedly threatened during the incident. Police allege that the group stole three bags containing household items before leaving the address. The man was not physically injured. A crime scene was established and detectives commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

The new police operation comes as crime statistics for the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area show increases in several categories. Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research cited in the report recorded 404 residential break-ins in the 12 months to March 2026. This represented a 40.3 per cent increase compared with the previous period. The reported rate was also substantially above the NSW average.

Police have also recorded hundreds of weapon-related offences and assaults in the area during the period covered by the statistics. Authorities say Strike Force Arctis will focus on identifying offenders and investigating the circumstances behind aggravated break-ins and other serious offences.

The Kooringal incident is one of the matters contributing to the current investigation. Police were also called to a nearby address after a large knife was found. The weapon was seized and subjected to forensic examination as investigators worked to determine whether it was connected to the alleged home invasion.

According to police, residential break-ins in Wagga Wagga frequently occur during overnight hours. The reported data indicates that many incidents take place between midnight and 6am, with Sundays and Fridays identified as common days for residential break-ins.

Strike Force Arctis gives police additional resources to examine links between incidents and identify people who may be responsible for repeated offending. Investigators can also analyse forensic evidence, intelligence and information from the community as part of their inquiries.

Police have encouraged members of the public to report information that could assist investigations. Community information can be particularly useful when investigators are attempting to establish the movements of suspects or identify vehicles and other evidence connected with an offence.

The establishment of the strike force does not mean that every reported offence is connected. Each incident must be investigated separately, and allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process.

The current operation follows growing concern about property and violent offences in the Wagga Wagga area. Police say their focus is on addressing aggravated break-ins, home invasions and firearm-related incidents and identifying those responsible.

The latest report was published on 16 September 2026 and remains one of the most recent verified Wagga Wagga crime stories available for the current news cycle.