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 Utah, burglary is defined under Utah Code § 76-6-202. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened from the traditional common law definition. It includes unlawfully entering or remaining in a building or any portion of a building with the intent to commit a felony, theft, assault, lewdness, sexual battery, lewdness involving a child, or voyeurism. The entry does not need to involve force or breaking; simply entering without permission with the intent to commit a crime suffices. Additionally, Utah law also addresses the issue of unlawful entry into vehicles and other property through separate statutes, such as the offense of vehicle burglary under Utah Code § 76-6-204, which criminalizes unlawfully entering a vehicle with intent to commit a felony or theft. The state's penal code thus reflects a modern approach to property crime, encompassing a range of unlawful entry offenses beyond the traditional scope of breaking and entering.