MELBOURNE, Thursday 9 September 2010 (AFP) - Two "dumb and dumber" alleged pet thieves wrestled a stolen python in a McDonald's restaurant carpark as astonished customers looked on, Australian police said Thursday.

The men, aged 22 and 24, struggled with the 1.5-metre (five feet) snake, named Boris, which was "not happy" at being removed from its container after being stolen from a Melbourne pet shop.

"In all honesty, it's just a case of dumb and dumber," Detective Sergeant Andrew Beams told public broadcaster ABC.

"Anyone who gets out there with a one-and-a-half metre python in a McDonald's carpark, they're pretty dumb."

Totally Reptiles owner Jodie Graham said Boris, who is safely back at the pet shop, has a "very nice personality" and was upset at not being handled properly.

"He was a bit cold and stressed so I have him in the tank warming up. I am just glad to get him back," she said.

The two men were arrested and charged with offences including burglary and theft.