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 Delaware, the definition of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional scope of breaking and entering. Under Delaware law, specifically Title 11 of the Delaware Code, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime therein, regardless of whether the entry is forcible. Delaware recognizes different degrees of burglary, with the severity of the charge depending on factors such as whether the building is a dwelling, whether the burglary occurred at night, or whether the perpetrator was armed or caused injury. Additionally, Delaware law criminalizes other related property offenses such as trespassing, which can include entering or remaining on premises without authorization. While Delaware does not have a distinct offense called 'breaking and entering,' the acts typically associated with breaking and entering would fall under the broader burglary statutes or related property crime laws.