‘Sherlock’ Actor Saves Cyclist from Muggers

Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the hit television series Sherlock, stepped in and saved a cyclist from being robbed by a gang of muggers. And, in another nod to life imitating art, the attack occurred near Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street home.

Cumberbatch was riding in an Uber with his wife, Sophie Hunter, when he spotted four muggers attacking a Deliveroo cyclist. Cumberbatch rushed from his car to the incident, yelled at the attackers, and pulled them off the victim. According to Uber driver Manuel Dias, the muggers tried to strike Cumberbatch, who managed to avoid injury.

After the attack, a chivalrous Cumberbatch asked the cyclist if he was alright and gave him a warm hug. Thanks to the aid of Cumberbatch and Uber driver Dias, the cyclist was able to quickly recover after being punched and hit with his helmet.

Dias was quick to share his magnificent story, noting that at first he didn’t recognize the actor traveling in his Uber.

“It was only then I recognized Benedict. Then it all got a bit surreal. Here was Sherlock Holmes fighting off four attackers just round the corner from Baker Street.”

On Saturday, Deliveroo, a UK based food delivery company, thanked Cumberbatch for his actions.

“Thank you Benedict Cumberbatch for your brave actions. Deliveroo riders are heroes – their safety is our priority and any violence against them is totally unacceptable,” the company tweeted. “So on behalf of everyone at deliveroo: thank you.”

The cyclist was fortunate to be able to escape from the situation relative unscathed, and with a magnificent story to tell. London’s Metropolitan Police have released a few details about the incident and have noted that no arrests were made.

Cumberbatch, in modest style, insisted he is no hero, stating that, “I did it out of, well, I had to, you know…”

Cities throughout the United States and across the world have noted an increase in cyclist muggings. As cyclists ride more expensive bicycles, they become targets of criminals eager to make a quick buck. These thefts sometimes occur just as a cyclist unlocks their bike. At this point, the cyclist is vulnerable to having their bike snatched, as they are not riding it and might be focused on putting their gear away.

Here are a few tips to avoid bicycle theft:

1. Invest in a good bike lock. Although no bike lock is completely theft-proof, technological advances have made for some super-strength locks that won’t break the bank.
2. Ride in busy, well-lit areas. We all want to avoid traffic and congestion, but sticking to main roads and paths is more important than shaving a minute or two off your ride. Avoid dark alleys, paths that are not lit, or areas that may attract criminal activity.
3. Try not to leave your bike in the same place each day. Criminals love predictable activity, and it will take no time at all to notice that you commute and leave your high-priced bike locked up in the same place each day. This can set you up for theft. Instead, try to leave your bike inside your building, or change where you park it periodically.
4. Always secure your bike- no matter how safe you think you are. Your bike can quickly be stolen from your garage, front porch, or the corner store. No matter where you leave your bike, always secure it, even if it is just for a few minutes.

Although you may not have Benedict Cumberbatch coming to the rescue, there are still plenty of ways to keep your bicycle secure.

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At Kass & Moses, we are grateful for those, like Cumberbatch, who look out for the wellbeing of others. Our team takes pride in helping injured cyclists recover from their crash and ride again. Often recovery from a bicycle collision means medical treatments and time off work. We battle against insurance companies to help cyclists who have been struck in a collision recover financially. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a cycling crash, contact us today for a free consultation.