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 Louisiana (LA), burglary is defined under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:62. Burglary involves unauthorized entry into a structure, such as a home, business, or other dwelling, with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein. The definition has been broadened from the traditional concept of 'breaking and entering' to include any unauthorized entry, regardless of whether force was used. Louisiana law distinguishes between different types of burglary, such as simple burglary, aggravated burglary, and burglary of a pharmacy, each with varying degrees of severity and associated penalties. Additionally, Louisiana has specific statutes addressing unauthorized entry into a place of business (LA Rev Stat § 14:62.4) and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling (LA Rev Stat § 14:62.3), which can be considered similar to breaking and entering laws. While Louisiana does not have a distinct criminal offense named 'breaking and entering,' the elements of such an offense are encompassed within its burglary and unauthorized entry statutes.