What constitutes breaking and entering according to the Ohio statutes?

Breaking and entering, as defined by Ohio statutes, involves entering a building or structure without permission with the intention of committing a crime, typically theft. The correct choice outlines that the individual must purposefully enter an unoccupied structure with the intent to steal. This aligns with the legal definition of breaking and entering, which emphasizes both the unlawful entry and the intent to commit a crime once inside.

In this context, it is important to differentiate between the motives for entering a property. While entering a locked vehicle without permission can constitute a different offense related to vehicle theft, it does not specifically fit the statutory definition of breaking and entering as it pertains to structures. Similarly, while trespassing in occupied structures or committing criminal trespassing with the intent to destroy property involves unlawful entry, these actions do not inherently reflect the purpose of theft, which is central to breaking and entering offenses in Ohio law.