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 Virginia, the crime of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional definition of breaking and entering. Under Virginia law, burglary is generally defined as the unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime therein, particularly theft or any felony. This is codified in the Virginia Code Section 18.2-89 and related statutes. The law does not require the breaking and entering to be forcible; even entering through an unlocked door or window can constitute burglary if done with the requisite criminal intent. Additionally, Virginia law also recognizes the separate offenses of breaking and entering with the intent to commit other misdemeanors (Section 18.2-92) and entering a dwelling house with intent to commit assault and battery, stalking, or peeping (Section 18.2-91). As for the forcible and unlawful entry into other types of property such as automobiles, safes, ATMs, parking meters, or vending machines, Virginia addresses these actions under different statutes related to theft, vandalism, and property damage.