breaking and entering
nounUK /ˌbreɪkɪŋ ən ˈentərɪŋ/
US /ˌbreɪkɪŋ ən ˈentərɪŋ/
The crime of getting into a building by force to steal things.
The police arrested the man for breaking and entering after he smashed a window to get inside the shop.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of forcing a way into a place without permission.
The guard reported a case of breaking and entering at the warehouse.
3. A legal charge combining the crime of breaking into a building with entering it unlawfully.
He was charged with breaking and entering and could face several years in prison.
4. Any forceful entry into a locked space, such as a car or safe.
The thieves were caught breaking and entering into parked cars along the street.