Have someone stay over?
When I leave my house overnight, I have a trusted person, usually a young male, spend the night there. You could get a Dominican, another expat or someone you know who will be vacationing in the area for a while. I think if someone is actually in the house it is less likely to be broken into (yes, everything's possible...). I don't know what your situation is, or if you have any trusted people like that, but I have never had a problem because they are 'de confianza'. The most it has ever cost me is some peanut butter and a couple packs of crackers. I don't pay them, just bring them a gift back from my trip like a cap or a new polo shirt. Of course, I also put away anything of value and have a small padlock on the outside of my bedroom door, which I lock. The person stays in the other bedroom.
It gives me peace of mind when I'm away knowing somebody is there. This might be good for you since you are going to be gone out of country. If too many people catch on to that, you are more likely to have a problem. So don't go around announcing to everyone that you will be gone, or the exact dates. Also try not to have everyone see you leave in broad daylight with a ton of luggage, they will assume you will be gone for a long time and therefore your house empty.
Have a good trip! If you have a really nice, comfortable house, let me know, I could make myself available as a professional house-sitter as I have some vacation days I need to use up in the DR! :bunny: That goes for anybody with a nice house in a beach town that needs a house sitter...