"Dannevirke has a strong Mongrel Mob influence, but the overt presence of patch wearing is light," Mr Glassey said.
"In the two months I've been here, I've only seen one person wearing a [gang] patch. But most crimes are organised."
However, Mr Glassey said he wasn't 100 per cent sure the gang problem was what had driven people to the meeting, rather it was their desire to become more crime-prevention savvy.
"We need to combine target hardening with an increased police presence," he said.
"We intend to be up High St more. Seeing security guards in this small country town can be unsettling, but it's adding to the safe feeling too."
Sue Berry, chairwoman of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, said her heart had gone out to Mr Long when she heard of the knifepoint daylight robbery.
"It was here in our doorstep, in our friendly town of Dannevirke. But I've been heartened to see police out on our streets. It makes me feel protected," she said.
Mr Glassey said the large turnout on Thursday night showed a great community spirit and that police could share some advice and crime-prevention tips.
"I acknowledge we need to do more to have police out on the beat, making people feel safe," he said.
"Crime isn't always random, it's well planned and there are things we can do to help prevent it."
While unable to go into details about investigations into current cases, Mr Glassey said, "be reassured, stuff is happening".
Acting Sergeant Gary McKernon, of the Dannevirke Police, said although there had been a spike in aggravated robberies, generally the town had become quite safe because of its CCTV security system.
"I moved to Dannevirke because it was a safe town.
"The petty stuff, like windows being smashed, we haven't had for a long time, but at times people become a little bit complacent," he said.
"There have been times when I've walked into a shop and no one is out front. They're out the back.
"I also know of premises with two entrances which aren't monitored.
"None of us want to see security guards on High St, but I think the banks have their processes and systems right.
"Now you all need to look at your processes and systems and up your game.
"Cigarettes are expensive and with unemployment in our small towns, they're sought-after.
"I think every small town is suffering and while we've had some isolated incidents I think we've just had a bad run."
Mr Glassey offered retailers some simple advice.
"Crooks like the dark and anything which obstructs the view into a shop," he said.
"We [police] know how some offenders think and advertising on front windows of premises can obstruct the view of an offender.
"If you've a clear front window you're not an easy target."
And while many had good systems, complacency came into play at times.
"You should be locking yourself in when cashing up and removing cigarettes from their locked cabinets," Mr Glassey said.
"An offender only needs one weak link. Make sure no one is hiding anywhere, so do a sweep of your premises before cashing up."
The police have offered to visit business people and give some crime prevention advice, "because we've got our part to play".
Ms Berry said it was great to have proactive police.
"It's not all doom and gloom," she said.
Dannevirke Police are happy to visit retailers and discuss crime prevention, you can call them on 06374-4500.
Tararua incidents:
* March 23: Dannevirke's Caltex Westlow robbed when two people entered, pulling a pistol and demanding cash and cigarettes. Two teenagers have been arrested and charged.
* March 25: Dannevirke Four Square robbed by a man with a crowbar.
* March 31: Woodville's DJ's Dairy, on Vogel St, had an attempt made to remove its cigarette cabinet.
* May 1: Dannevirke's BP Connect broken into, a sledgehammer smashing the door. The raiders left virtually empty-handed.
* May 8: Saigon Restaurant and Bar robbed at knifepoint.
