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 Kansas, burglary is defined under Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 21-5807. The definition has indeed been broadened from the traditional concept of 'breaking and entering.' In Kansas, burglary is the unauthorized entry into any building, manufactured home, mobile home, tent, or other structure with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or sexually motivated crime therein. It is not necessary for the entry to involve force or breaking; even entering through an unlocked door can constitute burglary if done with the requisite criminal intent. Additionally, Kansas law recognizes criminal trespass (K.S.A. 21-5808) as a separate offense, which occurs when a person enters or remains on property or premises without authorization. The state does not have a distinct criminal offense named 'breaking and entering,' but the acts typically associated with breaking and entering would likely fall under burglary or criminal trespass statutes. Forcible entry into vehicles or other secure objects like safes or vending machines could also be prosecuted under burglary or theft statutes, depending on the circumstances and intent of the offender.