Edgartown and Oak Bluffs police said they are investigating two Friday car thefts that appear to be related.

Some time between 4:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Friday evening, a dark-colored 1998 Ford Taurus was stolen from a parking space in front of the Nashua House in Oak Bluffs, police said.

Later that evening, the vehicle was recovered in the Dark Woods park and ride lot in Edgartown. There was heavy damage to the driver’s side front wheel, making the car inoperable, according to a statement issued by Oak Bluffs police. Tools were stolen from the vehicle.

Based on the account of an eyewitness who saw the stolen vehicle in the Triangle business district of Edgartown, police are searching for two white males, 18 to 20 years old.

Also Friday evening, a vehicle was reported stolen from the Dark Woods lot, near the location where the first vehicle was recovered.

The red Chevrolet Geo Prizm was recovered a few hours later off Herring Creek Road, where it was crashed into a wooded area, police said. The vehicle was heavily damaged.

Police in both towns are asking for help from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Oak Bluffs police at 508-693-0750 or Edgartown police at 508-627-4343. Edgartown police can also be contacted by email (crimetips@edgartown-ma.us) or text message (774-310-1190).