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 Wyoming, burglary is defined under Wyoming Statutes Section 6-3-301. The law states that a person is guilty of burglary if they unlawfully enter or remain in a building with the intent to commit theft or a felony therein. The definition does not require 'breaking' as a necessary element, thus aligning with the broader modern definition of burglary. However, the statute does specify that the entry must be without the permission of the owner. Additionally, Wyoming law also addresses the unlawful entry into vehicles under Section 6-3-402, which criminalizes the unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime therein. While Wyoming does not have a distinct offense titled 'breaking and entering,' the elements of such an offense are largely encapsulated within its burglary and other property crime statutes. The state's penal code reflects the trend of broadening the scope of burglary to include various forms of unauthorized entry with criminal intent, beyond the traditional breaking and entering scenario.