Students are being urged to take extra precautions this Thanksgiving holiday to thwart the possible increase in burglaries and break-ins while they are out of town.

State College Police Department Sgt. Mark Argiro said the rise in burglaries during certain holidays lead police to increase patrols in residential areas and downtown apartment buildings.

"You would be amazed at how many students assume their roommate will lock the door," he said.

Students and residents are not home, so burglars feel safer attempting to break in, he said.

Argiro said the most commonly stolen items are electronics, including laptops, DVDs, iPods and stereo systems.

"But even bikes get stolen," he added.

Anyone planning on leaving the area, he said, should take extra precautions.

"Remember to lock your doors and take any valuables with you," he said.

Argiro said police had a case several years ago in which a man walked through a large apartment complex downtown and tried to open random doors. If the occupants were home, the man told them he had the wrong apartment, Argiro said. If the occupants were not home and had left the door unlocked, he burglarized the apartment.

Penn State University Police Supervisor Frank Ball said university police see very few break-ins for campus residents.

"It's fairly secure over the break," Ball said. "Obviously with card access, the doors remain locked."

Ball said officers do regular foot patrols around the dorms and the academic buildings, and housing staff members check the buildings daily.

"Although [most students] go home, we stay here, and we are everywhere," Ball said. "I can't remember the last time someone busted into a room and took things."

Another concern for students as they travel home will be the weather. They are advised to be on the watch for inclement weather tonight and tomorrow, Accuweather meteorologist John Gresiak said.

Gresiak said a strong cold front from the Great Lakes could bring snow to the State College area tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Heavy bursts of snow flurries could cause slippery road conditions, he added. The rest of the week will be cold and more snow is predicted for Thursday night, he said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was unavailable for comment by press time yesterday.