The acts of breaking and entering a building were historically part of the definition of the crime of burglary. But most states have since broadened the definition of burglary to include any entry into a building without the permission of the owner and with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other crime inside the building. But a few states still have a distinct criminal offense of breaking and entering a building.

And some states have a similar criminal offense of forcible and unlawful entry that make it a crime to force entry into an automobile, safe, ATM, parking meter, or vending machine.

Breaking and entering laws (and related property crime laws) are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).

In Illinois, the crime of burglary is defined under 720 ILCS 5/19-1. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened from the traditional common law definition. In Illinois, a person commits burglary when they, without authority, knowingly enter or without authority remain within a building, house trailer, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle, railroad car, or any part thereof, with the intent to commit therein a felony or theft. This definition does not require the act of 'breaking' as a necessary component of the crime. Additionally, Illinois law recognizes a separate offense of 'criminal trespass to vehicles' under 720 ILCS 5/21-2, which makes it a crime to enter any part of a motor vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft. For other types of forcible entries into property like safes, ATMs, and vending machines, different charges such as criminal damage to property, theft, or robbery might apply, depending on the circumstances of the offense.