NT Police say a firearm that went missing from a car that was stolen in Alice Springs earlier this week has been recovered “near bushland” in the town.

Police said sometime overnight on Tuesday, a blue Holden Trax was stolen from an undisclosed location on Gregory Terrace that contained hunting equipment, including a lever action rifle.

The vehicle was later recovered but the gun and hunting and camping equipment were missing.

Police held public safety concerns after the gun went missing and Strike Force Viper were investigating and asking for anyone with information about the theft of the car or where the gun is to call them.

On Friday afternoon, police said the gun had been located “near bushland in Alice Springs” but did not give a specific location.

No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

“The Southern Community Resilience and Engagement Command team did a fantastic job in locating the stolen firearm,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Robert Kent said, without explaining how exactly.

“Investigations into the theft continue and the owner of the firearm has been issued with a NTA (notice to appear) for failing to meet storage requirements.”

Police had reminded Territorians to follow proper firearm storage rules.

“This incident is timely reminder for those who have firearms to ensure they are properly stored at all times. When not in use, a certified firearms safe should always be used to ensure opportunistic theft does not occur,” said Superintendent Megan Blackwell.

“Personal items, including keys, should be kept in a safe place and out of view, so as to be unlikely found”.