INDIANAPOLIS -- The old Winona Memorial Hospital once touted itself as a wound treatment center, but four years after it closed, it has become a neighborhood eyesore and center for criminal activity.

Indianapolis Metro police frequently patrol Winona, a property that gets a little more run down each day, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

Once a healing facility, the rundown property on Indianapolis' north side now hurts the neighborhood.

"It has become an eyesore and perhaps brought down the property values," said IMPD Officer Andre Bell. "I know … other organizations have expressed an interest in purchasing the facility. However, right now it's caught up in bankruptcy limbo."

The former hospital has become a nagging headache for police. Metal thieves have stripped out valuable plumbing. The homeless have started fires inside and prostitutes work where patients once sought help.

"What a difference a few years make, because at one point, people could just walk in and go see a doctor. Now, they can walk in and there is nothing there," said IMPD Officer Leonard Nelson.

Police and county health officials have repeatedly boarded up the entries to try to keep the criminal element out, with little success.

A door sits open on the west side of the building, leaving another opportunity for crime in a place that once nurtured hope, healing and recovery.

Winona remains on the auction block, but it has generated little interest.