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 Arkansas, burglary is defined under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-39-201. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened from the historical concept of 'breaking and entering.' Under current Arkansas law, a person commits burglary if they unlawfully enter or remain in any residential occupiable structure, commercial occupiable structure, or vehicle, with the purpose of committing any offense punishable by imprisonment. The entry does not need to involve force or breaking; merely entering without permission with the intent to commit a crime inside suffices. Additionally, Arkansas recognizes separate offenses for breaking or entering under § 5-39-202, which criminalizes the act of breaking or entering into any building, structure, or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony. The state also has specific statutes addressing criminal trespass, residential burglary, commercial burglary, and aggravated residential burglary, each with varying degrees of severity and associated penalties.