A mother and son have been arrested in the theft of a baby boa constrictor from a pet store. The two were caught after they returned to the same pet store and asked for books on how to take care of the snake.

Police say the store's surveillance video clearly shows the 15-year-old taking the 30-inch snake from its cage and hiding it with his jacket as it wrapped itself around his neck. Police say his 35-year-old mother acted as a lookout.

The snake is a red-tailed boa and is worth about $300. Police found the snake in the family's home and returned it to the pet store.

The mother is now facing theft charges and is scheduled to appear in court next month. Her son has been placed in the custody of relatives.