A man, wearing what appeared to be women's clothing, has broken into a Sunshine Coast unit and stolen a handbag.

The man wearing what appears to be women’s clothing entered an unoccupied unit in Noosaville in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He was captured on a security camera which had been installed following a spate of thefts from the unit complex.

Security vision shows a man walking through the unit. Police believe he entered through an unlocked door just after 5.50am before finding a handbag left in the unit. He is seen leaving the unit with the handbag which was found outside.

Police are appealing to the public to assist them with identifying the man in the photographs. The image was taken with a night-vision camera so colours are reversed.

Police are hoping that early morning joggers or walkers may have noticed the man in the area around Munna Crescent, Noosaville on Sunday morning just before dawn.

Police are reminding all residents and holiday makers that doors and windows should be locked at all times.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.