Police code 459 is commonly associated with burglary under California Penal Code. It is a high-value reference because it appears often in public safety discussions and gives scanner listeners a quick clue about the type of call.
For the broader California group, see our California Penal Codes guide and the homepage hub for other common references.
What 459 Means
459 is commonly associated with burglary under California Penal Code. In public safety use, it is a shorthand way to reference a break-in or burglary-related call.
Common Use in Police Radio, Scanner Traffic, or Legal References
The number is often used in reports, scanner traffic, and public safety discussion when a burglary-type incident is being discussed. It is not a complete legal summary on its own, but it is a useful reference point.
Plain-English Example
A dispatcher may say a call is a 459 in progress, which tells listeners the incident is being treated as a burglary-related event.
Important Variation Note
Outside California, 459 may not carry the same meaning or may not be used at all. Read it as a California code reference unless the agency context says otherwise.
For related California references, compare 187, 211, 415, and 5150.
FAQ
Is 459 always burglary?
Commonly, yes in California code context. The exact legal details should still be checked against current law.
Does 459 mean the same thing everywhere?
No. It is most closely tied to California Penal Code and may not be used the same way in other states.
Is 459 a charge by itself?
No. It is a code reference. The actual charge and outcome depend on the facts and the current legal process.
What pages should I read with 459?
187, 211, 415, and 5150 are the best companion pages because they cover the most common California references people look up next.