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 Kentucky, burglary is defined under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 511.020 - 511.080. The state's definition of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional breaking and entering. Burglary in Kentucky involves entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime therein. There are different degrees of burglary in Kentucky, with first-degree burglary being the most serious, involving entering a dwelling with intent to commit a crime and with aggravating factors such as being armed with a deadly weapon or causing physical injury. Second and third-degree burglary involve other types of buildings or circumstances with less severe penalties. Kentucky law also addresses related property crimes such as criminal trespass, which is the unlawful entry into premises, and robbery, which involves theft with the use of force or threat. While Kentucky does not have a distinct offense called 'breaking and entering,' the acts typically associated with breaking and entering are encompassed within these broader burglary and property crime statutes.