breaking and entering

American  

noun

Criminal Law.

1. forcible entry into the home or office of another.

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breaking and entering British  

noun

1. (formerly) the gaining of unauthorized access to a building with intent to commit a crime or, having committed the crime, the breaking out of the building

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Etymology

Origin of breaking and entering

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Squatting is legal is Australia, but laws prohibiting breaking and entering or trespass - remaining on private property when instructed to leave - still apply.

From BBC

Mr. Otieno was taken into custody on March 3 by Henrico County police, who were responding to a report of breaking and entering from a neighbor.

From New York Times

Burglaries and breaking and entering cases are up nearly 20 percent over last year, according to Atlanta police statistics.

From New York Times

If we can forgive a fox for telling a lie, what about a chickadee for breaking and entering?

From New York Times

She gently scolded them for breaking and entering.

From Seattle Times