NORWICH – The City of Norwich Police Department is investigating the theft of two vehicles they suspected were stolen for the purposes of drug activity this weekend. Separately police were also involved in a high speed chase in the city Sunday, where a suspect escaped an attempted traffic stop.

Two vehicles were stolen within about 12 hours of each other between Saturday night and Sunday morning police said. The vehicles were left unlocked and were taken from the Hayes Street parking lot and West Main Street.

City of Norwich PD Detective Reuben Roach said police were investigating the thefts, and that information had led them to believe the vehicles were taken in relation to drug activity. Police said the vehicles may have been used to transport illicit substances and drug suspects in or out of the local area.

Police have not yet located either of the vehicles. An active investigation was ongoing Monday morning. Police advised residents to lock their vehicles and never leave keys in the car.