Jagged razor wire has been erected around sections of one of Devon's most important historic buildings to keep so-called urban explorers away.
The measures are in place at Oldway Mansion in Paignton, where a large restoration project is currently running.
The former home of the Singer sewing machine family is already surrounded by wooden hoardings, tarpaulins and scaffolding, yet intruders have broken in several times.
The council has now added razor wire to protect the building and reduce the danger to anyone who tries to get inside.
Alan Denby, director of pride in place, told a meeting of the Torbay Place Leadership Board that anyone entering the building was endangering themselves, as the fragile structures inside Oldway make the risks even greater.
“Razor wire may not be to everyone’s tastes,” he said. “But there are a huge amount of things that could go wrong.”
The first phase of the restoration, costing £9million, is currently under way at Oldway. Its aim is to stabilise and weather-proof the building. The long-term goal is to fully restore the site as a community asset, with an estimated total cost of around £54million.
Local police have also urged intruders to stay away, calling their behaviour 'nothing more than vandalism' and highly dangerous.
A recent TikTok video showed a group of at least four people inside Oldway, filming the marble staircase, statues, the ballroom and several rooms on the upper floors.
Mr Denby also gave the meeting an update on other projects across Torbay, including the redevelopment of Torquay harbourside, which will be considered by the planning committee on Wednesday (Sept 23).
New fish processing units at Brixham are going through the planning process, and the council is leasing units to high-tech firms in Paignton.
Restoration of the Pavilion in Torquay is also moving forward, with work under way to stabilise the structure after years of neglect.
In July, the council granted itself planning permission for a temporary community space and viewing gallery so people can watch the work as it happens.
The Victorian Society has listed the Pavilion as one of England's Top Ten Most Endangered Buildings.
Mr Denby said the country's commercial and business leaders should recognise the Pavilion's potential. He said: “This is going to be such an important attraction in the future. It is something that ‘UK plc’ cannot afford to miss out on.”
TikTok Trend Prompts Security Upgrade at £54m Devon Mansion