Prank or Something Dangerous? OPD Investigates Car Window Markings

The Oxford Police Department is investigating calls about suspicious markings found on car windows.

OPD Chief Jeff McCutchen said the department has responded recently to a few calls from Oxford residents who found small, white markings – some say it looks like an “x” others, the number four.

“They’ve been found primarily in college housing areas,” McCutchen said Friday morning.

McCutchen said some people believe the markings to be linked to human traffickers; however, he said there has been no information to confirm those suspicions.

“We are taking it seriously, but right now, we have nothing to link the markings to anything specific,” he said Friday. “There have similar reports on social media from other areas that claim it to be an urban legend. It could be a prank. We’ve also had car dealerships say it’s common for them to mark windshields when they service cars. But we are going to continue to look into it and treat it seriously.”

McCutchen said OPD is working with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force to make sure the markings aren’t part of any investigation related to human trafficking.

“However, trafficking is constantly evolving, and we should always be aware of our surroundings,” he said. “As always, be mindful of who you are interacting with on social media, as those platforms continue to be targeting locations for traffickers.”

McCutchen encourages citizens to report anything suspicious to OPD by calling 662-232-2400.