According to the CCP Art 18.16, who has the authority to prevent the consequences of a theft?

The correct answer is that anybody has the authority to prevent the consequences of a theft according to CCP Art 18.16. This provision allows any person, regardless of their affiliation or position, to take action if they witness a theft or believe that a theft is occurring. This is rooted in the concept of citizens' arrest, where individuals are empowered to intervene to stop a crime in progress or to prevent further violations related to the theft. This principle aims to promote community safety and collective responsibility among citizens.

Retail security personnel and law enforcement officers have specific roles and resources when it comes to preventing theft, but the law recognizes that ordinary citizens may also play a vital role in stopping thefts as they happen. Victims of the theft inherently have a personal stake in the situation, but the broader application of the law provides the authority to any bystander in the vicinity of such an act. Thus, it emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community in addressing and preventing theft.