Following a telephone tip-off about a possible threat, the Polizei on Thursday evening, 29 October 2026, Planetencenter in Garbsen and surrounding streets as a precaution and evacuated the shopping centre. Areas of the Hanover Stadtbahn were also affected for a time. After searching the centre and surrounding area, police gave the all-clear that evening; there was no indication of any immediate danger. No injuries were reported.
The emergency services said they had acted on the principle that, when the level of risk is unclear, a wide area should initially be cordoned off to protect people and secure possible evidence. During the operation, Stadtbahn services near the Planetencenter were temporarily diverted or halted. The centre’s operators and emergency services were involved. Once checks had been completed, the cordons and traffic restrictions were gradually lifted.
According to police, the investigation is focused on people as yet unknown who are suspected of having made the tip-off by telephone. Officers are analysing telephone records, taking statements from witnesses and appealing to the public for any further relevant information. Police initially gave no details of a possible motive or description of the perpetrator.
The authorities say that, if the alarm is confirmed to have been deliberately false, possible legal consequences include prosecution for disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit offences. Police initially declined to say whether, or to what extent, such proceedings would be initiated. Responsibility lies with the Hannover Police Directorate; the public prosecutor’s office may become involved as the investigation progresses.
Garbsen is in Hannover Region in Lower Saxony. Shopping centres such as the Planetencenter attract large numbers of people, so when faced with vague threats, incident commanders routinely take account of the increased potential risk and act as a precaution. After giving the all-clear, the authorities stressed that there was no longer any specific danger on Thursday evening. Hanover Stadtbahn services returned to normal over the course of the evening; the ÜSTRA kept passengers informed about diversions.
Media reports confirmed the police account of the brief cordon and swift all-clear. The latest information on the investigation was clarified on Friday: checks had found no indication of an imminent offence, and the search for the caller or callers is continuing.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).