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 Michigan, the crime of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional definition of breaking and entering. Under Michigan law, specifically MCL 750.110, 'breaking and entering' or 'entering without breaking' with the intent to commit a felony or larceny is considered a crime. This means that even if there is no physical breaking, the unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime inside constitutes burglary. Additionally, Michigan law recognizes the separate offense of 'home invasion,' which is a similar crime involving breaking and entering a dwelling. Furthermore, Michigan penalizes the act of breaking into a vehicle if there is an intent to steal or commit a felony within it, under MCL 750.356a. The state also has specific statutes addressing the illegal entry into safes, ATMs, and other secure devices, often categorized under larceny, breaking and entering, or similar property crimes.