Common thieves with an interest in the ancient works of Homer, Virgil and Juvenal are rare, so Freyberg High School staff were surprised to see classical studies books among the items stolen in a recent series of burglaries.

Associate Principal Peter Brooks said there had been four burglaries at the school in the past two weeks.

"It's very frustrating," Mr Brooks said.

"Goodness knows what they want those [classical studies books] for."

A television, video player and the classics books were stolen on August 30 or 31.