What action must a peace officer take when witnessing a person about to commit an offense against the property of another?

When a peace officer witnesses a person about to commit an offense against the property of another, the correct action is to intervene and prevent the crime from occurring. This response is rooted in the officer's responsibility to uphold the law and maintain public safety. By taking proactive measures to stop the offense, the officer not only protects the property of the victim but also reinforces the integrity of the law enforcement role in preventing crime before it takes place.

Reporting the incident might come later, but immediate intervention is crucial in this scenario. Similarly, while an officer has the authority to make an arrest if an offense is committed, the priority in this situation is to prevent the crime from happening in the first place. Calling for backup might be necessary in some high-risk situations, but the officer's responsibility is to act decisively to thwart the offense immediately. This aligns with the duty of peace officers to maintain order and protect citizens and their property from harm.