Michael Mitchell, a resident of Caribbean Terrace in Harbour View, St. Andrew, uses an umbrella to lift a garden hose, which became a makeshift barricade, to prevent persons from entering the community that was damaged by Hurricane Dean on Sunday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

"Give us a break. Let us try and clear up."

That was the common statement among the residents of Caribbean Terrace in Harbour View, St. Andrew, who were reacting to both thieves and sightseers as they try to recover from the effects of Hurricane Dean.

Since Tuesday, metal barricades have been erected at the entrance of the community that was ravaged by Hurricane Dean on Sunday.

Only family members and friends

Inside the neighbourhood, as well, a garden hose is stretched across one of the avenues. Michael Mitchell, a resident, stands guard behind the house under an umbrella, only allowing family members and friends of residents to enter.

The residents said yesterday that, since their homes have been destroyed - some rendered uninhabitable - by storm surges, people have been entering the community in droves to view the damage.

They said some of the sightseers are disrespectful and insensitive to their woes.

The residents also said they have to be warding off thieves.

Three years ago, when Hurricane Ivan ripped through the community, swallowing houses and other personal belongings, residents had to grapple with looting.

Lorna Harris, assistant secretary of the Caribbean Terrace Action Committee, said it was agreed by those in the community that they should mount the barricades.

"This lady put out her bed to dry and they steal it," Ms. Harris said.

"We have to be vigilant as we are dealing with people who don't have any sense of realising what we went through. They park their vehicles on our driveway, on the lawn, anywhere they feel."

The residents said they have to be pleading with people to give them some amount of privacy.

Mr. Mitchell said the barricades have diminished the number of vehicles traversing the community and heavy-duty equipment will then be able to come into the area to assist with the restoration process.