MAIL carriers continue to battle against vandals that have plastered graffiti over USPS trucks, making them unrecognisable.
Postal workers have been left in “danger” as residents cannot distinguish between federal government vans and other vehicles.
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With their logos obscured some are worried that the vehicles could be mistaken for those belonging to rival gangs.
Oakland residents near the downtown post office witness the vehicles passing them on a daily basis as they worry that violence may rise.
One local resident told CBS News that there was no way of telling the vehicles belonged to the government.
Jasmine Bessard said: “I’m sure it’s embarrassing for the US Postal workers to have to drive these things around the city.
“It’s just not good at all and it doesn’t look good for our city.
I think it’s dangerous for the postal workers and the community because you can’t see who’s in here. You don’t know that this is a government vehicle at all.”
One resident in East Oakland likened the motors to something bought from “the junkyard”.
Others have questioned the motive of the artist as the trucks continue to be able to make deliveries on time.
Locals have spoken about the body, tyres and even windows being tagged.
This could impact safety if a driver’s vision is impaired.
It is thought that the vehicles have been targeted when parked on city streets overnight reflecting a wider problem with a lack of adequate parking.
Bessard also suggested how the issue denotes broader issues of crime in Oakland.
With graffiti difficult and costly to remove, it is not clear when the problem will be resolved.
USPS spokesperson, Meiko Patton, released this statement: “Graffiti is a challenge faced by many businesses and organizations within the community and beyond, and the Postal Service is no exception.
“When graffiti is discovered on our vehicles, we take steps to address the issue promptly.
“However, as part of our responsibility to maintain reliable service to our customers, we must carefully balance these efforts with ensuring that our vehicles remain in circulation and available for delivering the nation’s mail.”
It follows USPS customers being warned of disruptions of mail carriers under the Trump administration.
In a controversial move, the Commerce Secretary suggested the US Postal Service could soon be taking your personal information in addition to delivering your mail.
Meanwhile, USPS abruptly shut a post office after discovering dangerous issues forcing customers to drive to other locations.
What to do when mail is missing
Step 1: Check the Current Status
Before you begin your search, if your package or mail has tracking, check USPS Tracking to see its current status.
Step 2: Complete a Help Request Form
Complete the USPS online help request form before you start a missing mail search. Please use a desktop computer to submit your form.
Your request will be forwarded to your local Post Office facility to help locate any missing items.
Step 3: Submit a Missing Mail Search Request
If after 7 business days from when you submitted your online help request form your mail or package hasn’t arrived, submit a Missing Mail search request with the following information:
- Sender mailing address
- Recipient mailing address
- Size and type of container or envelope you used
- Identifying information such as your USPS Tracking number(s), the mailing date from your mailing receipt, or Click-N-Ship label receipt
- Description of the contents such as what it is and the brand, model, color, or size, if applicable
- Pictures that could help us recognize your item
Step 4: Start your missing mail search
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