In an effort to battle beach sticker fraud, Dartmouth residents will notice something a little different with their stickers this year.

Along with a new look, the new stickers do away with the old system of writing license plate numbers down manually, and instead use a fully electronic barcode system.

"The new beach stickers have security features in them that prevents them from being copied. It's been a big issue in the past," said Parks and Recreation Director Tim Lancaster.

It has become such a problem that the department issued a plea on its Facebook page last summer advising residents to guard their stickers after reported thefts at Round Hill Beach. In that post, the department said fraudulent stickers can sell online for $100.

New features include a self-destructing design that makes it impossible to peel off of a windshield in one piece, preventing beach sticker theft and swapping stickers from vehicle to vehicle.

Vehicle information is also recorded electronically and will be checked by gate attendants with a handheld scanner. If the information in the computer does not match the vehicle, drivers could be denied entry.

The department is currently testing out the stickers on town vehicles. The main priority is ensuring the electronic system is working and accessable before beach season, Lancaster said.

Stickers will be on sale starting on May 8. They can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office in Town Hall by Dartmouth residents, property or business owners, and seasonal renters. For more information, visit town.dartmouth.ma.us.