AN intruder has been caught on CCTV wandering around a warehouse and trying to get into offices.

The man is believed to have got into a converted old dock warehouse in Hythe Quay through a first-floor door, which used to be used when unloading large boats.

The door had accidently been left open by a tenant.

The CCTV recorded the man as he spent 42 minutes walking around apparently trying the doors of the separate office units.

However, he failed to get in and is believed to have left – after taking a scented candle.

Paul Wagland, who manages the building, caught the whole thing on CCTV and is now trying to identify the man.

He said: “He’s obviously not an expert – he wasn’t wearing gloves, but he came with a screwdriver and torch.

“He couldn’t get into any of the offices, but he did some damage to some doors. I followed him around the building on CCTV.

“He climbed up to the first floor up bars on the window.”

The warehouse has been converted into office spaces for startup businesses and is currently home to eight companies, including a hairdresser, massage therapist and a permanent make-up artist.

The intruder also tried to get into the building next door through an adjoining door.

But when he banged on the door, someone in the other building heard and shouted, scaring the man off.

Mr Wagland said: “I want to stop him doing it again. There are lots of businesses on the Hythe – it’s an up-and-coming area."

The incident happened at about 6pm on Saturday, June 20.

Essex Police is investigating and anyone with information is asked to call 101.