In the context of burglary of vehicles, what does "enter" mean?

In the context of burglary, the term "enter" refers to any part of the body or any physical object connected with the body that is used to gain access to a vehicle. This includes not only stepping into the vehicle but also the use of hands, feet, or tools that manipulate locks or doors.

The legal definition acknowledges that entry can occur in various forms; for example, if a person uses a wire to unlock a car door or merely reaches inside to retrieve an item, they are considered to have "entered" the vehicle. This broad definition is significant because it covers a range of actions that may not involve fully stepping into the vehicle but still constitutes an attempt to gain unlawful access.

This understanding is crucial in law enforcement and legal proceedings, as it helps establish whether an act qualifies as burglary based on how entry is interpreted. Thus, the definition aligns with the intent of the law to protect against unauthorized access to vehicles, even if that access doesn’t involve complete entry by a person’s body.