A 48-hour curfew has been enforced for the community of Quick Step, St Elizabeth, and its environs.

This includes the Pullet Hall main road and the Forest Reserves.

Police say the aim of the order is to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the community while it conducts investigations into the theft of government property, abduction and obstruction of forest agents who were on duty in the area on the weekend.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm, stay indoors and cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities.

The Forestry Department reported that members of its team were prevented from carrying out their duty after receiving reports of an extensive illegal timber harvesting operation in the area.

According to the Forestry Department, its seven member team could not leave and was forced to spend Friday night at the site due to blocked roads which were reportedly mounted by residents.

The department said following assistance by the Police and the Jamaica Defence Force its team along with the timber was escorted from the area on Saturday afternoon.