When it comes to crime and business, among the important things to know are red, yellow, green, orange and blue.

These are primary colors key to real bills and prove more effective than a marker test, Captain Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department explained to members of the governmental affairs committee of the chamber of commerce today.

These are the colors the security threads will glow when bills are placed against a black light: Red and pink for 1996 $100 bills; yellow for 2004 $50 bills; green for 2004 $20 bills; orange for 2004 $10 bills and blue for 2004 $5 bills.

These are the most common bills in circulation today, Jackson said, and a simple black light test can alert a business owner quickly that one may be counterfeit.

Applying the black light test.

Because Roanoke Rapids is off Interstate 95, “It's a prime area to launder counterfeit money,” he said.

Counterfeiters typically buy merchandise with bogus bills and then will return the goods for cash. They will often buy gift cards with counterfeit bills.

One investigation that was initiated by Roanoke Rapids police led to the seizure of a print shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jackson said.

Counterfeit money is one of the top five crimes on business the police department sees, Jackson said.

Fake bills.

While fifth on the list, it is profitable for perpetrators of the crime. “Train your employees to know your money. Training will teach employees to pick up quick pointers on a suspicious bill.”

The top crime against business in the area is larceny, whether it is internal or external.

In a pamphlet he passed out to attendees, the police department says for internal security install cameras in strategic locations, practice regular money pickups and limit personnel to the cash register.

Procedures for employees who want to buy items should be in place. Employees should be rewarded for low shrinkage, he said.

External theft can be reduced by using cameras and monitors, magnetic detectors and even great customer service.

Jim and Gayle Garrett listen to Jackson.

“If you see someone suspicious you suspect of shoplifting, go to them and offer them great customer service,” Jackson said. “I promise you they will get uncomfortable and they'll leave by using great customer service.”

In cases of robbery, do what the suspect says. “Your life is more important than the money. That's what insurance is for. It's not worth losing your life. Don't become confrontational. Do exactly what they say and don't offer them anything extra.”

It is important that clerks ask for ID when customers use a credit card, Jackson said. If a business accepts checks the ID information should be logged on the check.

Savvy ID thieves can use card scanners to obtain numbers and download them into their computers. Often servers can write down card numbers when they take them to a register for payment.

Jackson said businesses should have legitimate software on the their computers to prevent cyber crimes, as well as a secure firewall, acceptable use policy, forensic accountability and physical security.

Jackson.

“Small business plays a vital role in the economy and accounts for almost 70 percent of employment,” the brochure says. “The economy thrives when small business thrives. The police department encourages all small businesses to network with each other and when a crime takes place take action.”

The police department offers security surveys and its Twitter page gives instant alerts on scams, fraud and suspect descriptions.

For more information call the police department at 252-533-2810.