BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhuanet) -- An auto mechanic in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province was shocked to discover a python in a minivan whose owner explained was placed there as a theft deterrent.

The mechanic discovered the over three-meter long python curled up on the engine block of a van dropped off at his garage for repair and quickly notified the vehicle's owner, reported Southern Metropolis Daily on July 28.

The owner surnamed Li promptly returned and pulled the 40-centimeter thick snake from the engine, explaining his python was not venomous and "usually does not attack people."

Li claimed that he had been using two pythons to scare off car thieves after his van had been stolen numerous times. The second snake was not seen at the garage, according to the report.

A legal expert explained that Li would be held responsible for the python's actions.

(Source: ecns.cn)