In total panic

If you've lived there for 2.5 years and she's only just called on you twice recently (in a matter of days?) then I really can't see that as harassment.
Have you proof that she's a user of drugs or is that just local tittle tattle?
You say you've 'been told' that she pestered the previous owners at all hours but she has certainly kept away from you for the last 2.5 years.
You can buy cheap roller blinds (textured, white) which allow you to see out and allow plenty of light in but no-one can see in.
Look online.
If you don't lock your door and she tries the handle...whose fault is that?

Would involving the police perhaps escalate matters in a negative way? It sounds as though this neighbour has problems of her own and whilst she’s upset you , she hasn’t threatened you really has she in a way that is illegal. Try and feel some sympathy for her to put her behaviour in perspective and not ramp it up - easier said than done I know. I agree with the ideas of a key safe and also perhaps a peep hole/ door chain in the door so you can see who is knocking before you answer. I don’t think it’s kind to call her a crazy woman - she’s apparently unwell and her behaviour seems strange but calling her crazy only makes her seem more scary than she almost certainly is. You say you’ve lived there two and a half years- how many times has she knocked at your door in that time? I don’t want to sound unsympathetic but sometimes putting matters into perspective is better advice.

Oh Annie you do not need this !

You need to speak to the relevant authorities about this . Okay so the woman has not directly threatened you but she is making you feel threatened . I think you should seriously consider a Key Safe, as suggested by Maw up thread, which will enable you to lock the door but give the code to the people you want to have access including perhaps your GP surgery etc. Also perhaps consider having blinds fitted that you can tilt to enable you to see out but no one will be able to see in .

Being pestered by this crazy woman is the last thing you need Annie x

You are not being stupid Annie

Whitewave has just said everything I was about to.

Tackle this as a problem that needs resolving, and nothing more. Do not allow her to affect your day to day life.

There are some good ideas on here and one is contact with your local policeman. Ring them and ask for advice. Undoubtedly if she is drug user she will be familiar to them.

Chain on your door and uptilted blinds and you have done what you can.

But don’t give her an inch. Make it more than clear if she does it again, frankly to the point if being rude.

You are not being stupid, you feel intimidated. Definitely make a report to the police and have it on record. They could have a word with her to stay off your property. Intercom sounds like a good ides. Can you tilt your blinds so she cannot see in.

What about a security camera. Perhaps Age Concern could help you.

I know you shouldn't need to do greetings but you might feel safer. Also the woman might fetched up if she has no response.

Have you got a chain on your front door? If she does come again, open the door with the chain on, smile politely and tell her you are busy. Then shut the door.

Put some net up at your front window?

You are not being stupid! This is very scary and unnerving , as others have said, please lock your door.

I told her I was fine and didn’t need help. She said ‘I will
check you are , I will look in your window to check on you.

I know I am being stupid

Oh good grief annie - as if you needed this crazy person on top of everything else. I am so sorry to hear this.

Do you have a lifeline system in your home? The local council can set this up for you if you give them ring.

Please consider a key safe Anniebach then you can lock your door with an easy heart. Would it also be worth an intercom system for callers to say who they are?
I appreciate the police may not have the manpower to do a lot but this woman is harassing you and it needs to be reported. Perhaps someone in your family could even get a solicitor to do whatever it is they do to restrain her behaviour.

Dyffed Dyfed

Dyffed Powys Police haven't the manpower to reassure people.
It won't be seen as intimidation.

Oh dear...that's a worry Anniebach.
I think the best you can do is to ignore her and, if she comes knocking again, ask her to stop, that you have no knowledge of what she's talking about and don't wish to have any further conversation.
As for your door, whatever advice people offer about locking it, you're not going to take so that's a non starter but it will invalidate your insurance.
I hope you re-think the safety aspect.

Please lock the door Anniebach and you will BE safer - it’s your castle and you need to pull up the drawbridge against any marauders. And that is how you must look at this situation- she may or may not be dangerous but if that’s how you feel, then do whatever you can to feel secure in your own home.

Oh Anniebach you do not need this woman anywhere near you.

Some people can be so cruel, I can only guess that she has been researching on the internet about your daughter.

Is it worth speaking to your local police and tell them that you feel frightened and intimidated by her?