What is the term for knowingly entering or remaining in a building without authority with the intent to commit theft?

The term for knowingly entering or remaining in a building without authority with the intent to commit theft is burglary. Burglary specifically refers to the act of illegally entering a structure, typically a dwelling or a place of business, with the intent to commit a crime therein, which most commonly is theft.

This definition emphasizes the concept of unauthorized entry combined with the intention to commit a further criminal act. What differentiates burglary from other crimes is the focus on the unlawful entry aspect; even if the intended crime is different—such as vandalism or assault—the criminal act of breaking and entering still qualifies as burglary.

In contrast, theft involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property without the intent to return it but does not necessarily involve entering a building. Robbery, on the other hand, involves taking property through force or threat of force, signifying a direct confrontation with the victim. Vandalism refers to the act of damaging property, which does not encompass the notion of entering with intent to commit a crime. Thus, burglary specifically captures the essence of the act described in the question.