Police code for burglary is commonly 459 in California code references. If you are searching by meaning, the short answer is that 459 is the number most readers associate with burglary.
Because it is tied to California legal references, the number makes the most sense when read with state context rather than as a universal radio code.
For the numbered reference, compare 459 with the broader California Penal Codes guide and the Police Codes Guide.
The common police code for burglary
The most common answer is 459. In California-related use, it is commonly associated with burglary.
That makes it one of the core California references readers look up when they want the legal or public-safety meaning behind the number.
What 459 usually means
459 is commonly used as a shorthand reference for burglary. It may appear in scanner traffic, public safety notes, or discussion about California offenses.
As with the other California references on this site, the safest interpretation is the common public meaning plus the reminder that legal details should be checked against current law.
How it may be used in scanner or public safety context
Scanner listeners may hear 459 when a burglary is being reported or discussed. The number keeps the communication short while pointing to a well-known legal reference.
If you are using the page for legal or reporting purposes, verify the current statute and the agency context before treating the number as final.
Related codes
The meaning is strongly tied to California code reference usage, so readers outside that context should treat the number carefully and verify current local practice.
FAQ
Is 459 used everywhere?
No. It is most strongly associated with California code references and may not mean the same thing in other places.
Is 459 the same as robbery?
No. 459 is commonly tied to burglary, while robbery is commonly tied to 211 in California references.
Is 459 a radio code or legal code?
It is best understood as a legal-code reference that can appear in public safety communication.
Where can I verify the legal meaning?
Use current California law or current agency materials for the most accurate answer.