Anyone who notices suspicious activity around parked vehicles, or someone trying car doors, is asked to call police and report it.

Now that summer is here, the Ottawa Police Service is reminding the public that the risk of theft from vehicles has gone up.

According to the OPS on Friday, it's been hearing a number of complaints about thefts from vehicles in the Riverside South area.

Residents are reminded to remove anything of value from their vehicle when leaving it parked.

"Thieves typically look for an unlocked or locked vehicle showing valuables, and once they gain entry, they go through the entire car, including the trunk," says Cst. Stephanie Lemieux, Centretown Community Police Officer. "It isn't enough to hide items in the console or under the car seats because the thieves are just that thorough."

Anyone who notices suspicious activity around parked vehicles, or someone trying car doors, is asked to call police and report it.

"Even if your car is broken into and nothing is taken, it still needs to be reported to police," adds Cst. Lemieux.

The Ottawa police's website has more tips on how to avoid vehicle theft, including a downloadable AVR (All Valuables Removed) card to display in parked vehicles.

The cards are to be displayed on the inside of the driver's side window to display the message, "All Valuables Removed," letting would-be thieves know not to bother searching the vehicle and alerting others to take the same precautions.

Anyone with information regarding a theft from a vehicle or any other crime is asked to call the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.