A statue that suddenly appeared in a Norwalk park has been removed after city officials say the art display was unauthorized.

The life-size painted wooden cutout of a Native American was placed in the park on a base that read "in honor of the indigenous people of Norwalk."

A couple walking their dog on West Avenue took pictures of the statue before it was removed.

City officials say they didn't know about the statue, and ordered the parks department to remove it.

The acting director of the Parks Department says there's a lengthy approval process for placing art in public spaces.

Police say these crimes have increased in the last year and half across western Connecticut. Police say they're finding it's often the same suspects involved. They say the suspects are commonly juveniles who are coming from the Waterbury area.