A reported break in at a former care home in south Essex led to police being called, sparking safety concerns from residents.
The incident happened at around 2:30am last Sunday after "three or four" people were seen entering the grounds of Abbeyfield House, Hadleigh.
Damage caused by the trespassers is unknown, and neighbours feel the incident sheds a light on security and safety problems with the site, including the risk of fire and exposure to asbestos.
Officers from Essex Police attended within 15 minutes but did not locate anyone at the "derelict" care home.
Castle Point Council bought the Abbeyfield last year with the plan to convert it into temporary accommodation for homeless people, investing nearly £2 million into the purchase and renovation.
The council's deputy leader, Warren Gibson, said: “While some perimeter fencing was moved during the incident, we do not believe that access was gained to any significant internal areas of the building."
He added enhanced CCTV, improved alarm systems and upgraded fire detection will be put in place after a review of the incident, and that regular inspections are continuing.
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The former care home was branded an "eyesore" by residents, and one neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said he is concerned about the safety of the building.
He said the roof contains asbestos and they removed fire safety precautions in favour of a fire alarm, which he said is not enough.
"They need to make sure people can't get into the property and in the event of a fire, the police or fire crews might not get there in time. I would rather not let it get to that point."
Following the break in, he reported the incident and security concern but was surprised to find the fencing had been closed using only tape.
The resident, who works as an asbestos specialist, said he had worked on a similar site in Letchworth, which went up in flames after reports of drug use and anti-social behaviour from people who broke into the site.
"If you live next to a building, what are three or four people doing at three in the morning," he said. "It has to be some sort of mischievous criminal intent."
The fencing has since been cable-tied, but the electrical intake remains open and the neighbour said the site is accessible via his driveway, leaving him frustrated with the lack of action from the council.
Castle Point Council is creating 19 self-contained rooms for residents “facing housing difficulties”.
Mr Gibson said work should begin in July as the appointment of a contractor is progressing, which he said will further reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
The council previously said they aim to complete the conversion by February 2027.
Essex Police urged anyone with information or evidence to get in touch with them, quoting incident 220 of May 24.
They added: "You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.
"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."
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