More than 2000 guns are stolen every year in Australia, averaging out to one every four hours, according to new research.

The Australia Institute, citing police data from every state and territory, also found that at least 9000 guns have been stolen in the country since 2020, and more than 44,000 since 2000.

The institute said previous research had shown there were now more than four million guns in Australia - more than there were before the Port Arthur massacre that prompted the Howard government's nationwide firearm law reform.

"Thousands of guns are flowing into the hands of criminals every year, putting Australians in danger," Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell said.

"Theft of legal guns is the main source of illegal guns in Australia, not 3D printing or i

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