VANDALS smashed the window of a van belonging to a dog charity volunteer while he was visiting the graves of his parents.

The vehicle, clearly labelled as a charity van, was parked outside St Woolos cemetery in Bassaleg Road when vandals broke the passenger window and stole dog leads on Tuesday night.

Antony Urrutia, founder of charity Kora Kyi which rescues abused dogs, said: "I'm devastated, it's wanton vandalism."

Mr Urrutia, 53, was visiting his parents' graves. When he returned to the parked Toyota van, which had two dogs inside, at 7.25pm, there was shattered glass all over the floor.

He said: "They've got no respect. Collars and leads were stolen. What are they going to do with them?"

He said the two dogs could have been cut by broken glass. It is the latest incident of vandalism to the van.

Earlier this month the tow bar was stolen along with a spare wheel. The charity, set up in 2003, takes the rescued dogs to hospitals and care homes to cheer patients up.

Mr Urrutia, of Cardiff Road, Newport, said: "When people damage the van it is upsetting because we are trying to help people in the community." The cost of repairing the damage could total a couple of hundred pounds, meaning less money for costs such as veterinary bills.

The organisation is run by five volunteers who look after seven dogs. Police said they will keep a close eye on the area.

Call Gwent police on 01633 838111 with any information.