Police are appealing to the community to increase their vigilance and lock their homes after a number of unlawful entries in the Palmerston and Darwin area overnight.

In one of the incidents thieves walked into an unlocked unit in Weddell Street, Parap, and made off with a white Toyota landcruiser with Queensland registration plates after finding the keys inside.

Superintendent Bruce Porter said the number of premises being entered through doors carelessly left unlocked was worrying.

"Despite the number of times we plead to the public to lock up, the message doesn't seem to be getting through," Supt Porter said.

"In many instances these are simply opportunistic crimes, and if you make it a little harder for the criminals by locking your doors there's every chance they won't bother.

"Our message to the community is simple. Help us to help you by being vigilant and locking your doors."

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8922 3531