Burglary

in law, the breaking and entering the house of another with intent to commit a crime, particularly to steal. In a wider sense the term applies to the criminal entry of any building. The penalty is usually from five to ten years' imprisonment. North Carolina makes burglary punishable by imprisonment or death. The slightest breakage, as of a window pane, or the removal of the smallest portion of the house, with evident intent to enter, constitutes an act of burglary. The forcible entrance of a foot or hand is likewise proof of intent to commit burglary. See Arson