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 Arizona, burglary is defined under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-1506 to §13-1508. The state's definition of burglary has indeed broadened from the historical concept of 'breaking and entering.' Burglary in Arizona can be charged when a person enters or remains unlawfully in or on a residential or non-residential structure or in a fenced commercial or residential yard with the intent to commit any theft or any felony therein. The severity of the charge (ranging from first to third degree) depends on factors such as whether the structure was occupied at the time of the offense, if a deadly weapon was used, or if the entry was made into a residential structure. Arizona does not have a distinct offense named 'breaking and entering,' but the acts typically associated with breaking and entering are encompassed within its burglary statutes. Additionally, Arizona law criminalizes the unlawful entry into a vehicle with ARS §13-1504, which addresses the possession of burglary tools and the intent to use them for unlawful means, which can include vehicles. Forcible entry into other secured objects like safes, ATMs, or vending machines would generally be prosecuted under burglary or theft-related statutes in Arizona.