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 Nevada, burglary is defined under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 205.060. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened from the traditional common law definition. It does not require breaking and entering; rather, it is sufficient for an individual to enter any structure or vehicle with the intent to commit grand or petit larceny, assault, battery, or any felony therein. The entry itself can be lawful—such as walking into an open store—but if the person enters with the intent to commit a crime, it can be considered burglary. Additionally, Nevada law recognizes the crime of home invasion under NRS 205.067, which occurs when someone forcibly enters an inhabited dwelling without permission, whether or not a crime is intended or committed inside. For other types of property crimes involving forced entry, such as into an automobile or vending machine, Nevada has specific statutes addressing these acts, such as NRS 205.0822 for unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and NRS 205.185 for injury to other property, which can include breaking into machines or safes.