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 Pennsylvania, burglary is defined under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3502. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened from the traditional concept of 'breaking and entering.' In Pennsylvania, a person is guilty of burglary if they enter a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter. It is not necessary for the entry to be forcible; even entering without permission can constitute burglary if done with criminal intent. Additionally, Pennsylvania law recognizes the separate offenses of criminal trespass under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503, which can include breaking into a building or unlawfully entering as lesser offenses than burglary. The state does not have a distinct offense titled 'breaking and entering,' but the acts typically associated with breaking and entering may fall under burglary or criminal trespass depending on the circumstances. Forcible entries into other types of property, like automobiles, may be addressed under different statutes such as theft or robbery, depending on the nature of the offense.