terrorist groups more often choose to strike soft targets. of terrorist attacks worldwide from 1968 to 2005, 72% (8,111) struck soft targets and 27% (4,248) struck hard targets. the intent of attacks on soft targets is to instill fear as well as inflict casualties. clark kent ervin notes that attacks on soft targets inflict psychological damage. in 2011, while preparations were being made for the 2012 summer olympics, the deputy commissioner of london's metropolitan police service noted that if the primary targets were secure, terrorists might substitute targets that are nearby but not as well protected.