When the Chronicle visited the area yesterday, most houses were locked and seemed deserted, while persons who were home, were reluctant to speak.

However, persons who spoke with this newspaper said that since the erection of the barricades, criminal activities in the area seemed to have "died down".

According to one resident, the presence of the Army patrols in the area, have helped to calm the nerves of villagers.

However, they are still living in great fear because they are "weaponless" against the criminals, he said.

He also commented on the neighbourhood watch groups that have been in the area and noted that this should be a signal to the bandits that people are on the lookout.

Other residents in the area said they feel comfortable with the barricades, but would prefer more Joint Services patrols in the area.

One man said that they would feel safer if they had the protection of more soldiers present in the area.

According to him, the soldiers are doing their jobs effectively and respond quite quickly to any given situation.