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 Minnesota, the definition of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional scope of 'breaking and entering.' Under Minnesota law, specifically Minnesota Statutes section 609.582, burglary is defined as entering a building without consent and with the intent to commit a crime, or entering a building without consent and committing a crime while inside, regardless of whether the entry was forced. The statute outlines different degrees of burglary, ranging from first to fourth degree, with varying levels of severity based on factors such as whether the building is a dwelling, whether a person is present, or whether the intruder is armed. Minnesota does not have a distinct criminal offense solely titled 'breaking and entering,' but the acts typically associated with breaking and entering are encompassed within its burglary statutes. Additionally, Minnesota law criminalizes other related property crimes such as theft, damage to property, and unauthorized tampering with or entry into a motor vehicle, which can be found in different sections of the Minnesota penal code.