Police are ready to make an arrest in the recent Thayer Hall theft, Sergeant James F. Murphy, of the Cambridge Detective Bureau, said yesterday.

"We have a suspect in mind, and all we have to do is find him," Murphy said. "All police are on the lookout for him." He added that the thief was probably "laying low now," and would start operating again in a short time.

Last week, one of two stolen typewriters was recovered in a repair shop. The suspect, whom Murphy describes as being 5-foot 10-inches, with dark hair, thin featured and weighing close to 180 pounds, came in and sold the typewriter for about $30.

Police are trying to identify the suspect's handwriting found in the typewriter shop's records. But, according to Murphy, this added evidence probably will not be needed.

Hubert E. Hocutt '57, a Thayer porter, has already identified the thief, and the police are sure they have the right person in mind.

Other Thefts Recalled

According to Murphy, the thief has specialized in robbing College students for the past ten or 12 years, and has been in jail several times.

Murphy said the suspect is quite familiar with students' habits, and with the various entries in the College. He has quickly admitted his crimes when apprehended.

In the past the thief has committeed chains of thefts in the College, but Murphy feels that this time he was responsible only for the Thayer robbery. There have been at least two other thefts this term.

Narrow Field Down

Matthew J. Toohy, Chief of University Police, and Murphy both said they had the same suspect in mind shortly after the robbery was committed. They also considered others, but quickly narrowed the field down to one.

Murphy said that police are also trying to recover the other stolen articles, but that these would be hard to identify.