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 Indiana, burglary is defined under Indiana Code 35-43-2-1. The law has indeed broadened from the historical definition of burglary that required breaking and entering. In Indiana, a person commits burglary by entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein, without consent. The severity of the charge can range from a Level 5 felony to a Level 1 felony, depending on factors such as the type of building entered and whether or not it was occupied at the time of the offense. Indiana does not have a distinct criminal offense solely for breaking and entering without the intent to commit a further crime inside; such an act would likely be covered under separate statutes related to trespass or criminal mischief. Regarding the forcible and unlawful entry into vehicles, safes, ATMs, and similar containers, Indiana law addresses these actions under different statutes, such as auto theft and criminal mischief, depending on the circumstances of the offense.