Recovered bikes sit in a Toronto warehouse. (Dwight Friesen/CBC)

Toronto police say publicity over the recent raids that recovered about 2,700 bicycles has had an incredible effect on people registering their bikes.

In June, police say, 436 bicycle owners registered their serial numbers on the Toronto Police Service website. In July, that number increased to almost 4,000.

Earlier this month, police arrested Igor Kenk and Jean Laveau, who have been charged them with a number of offences related to bike theft. Kenk has also been charged with drug trafficking.

Kenk's wife, Jeanie Chung, is also facing charges.

The about 2,700 bicycles from the police raids came from various west-end locations. That's a corrected figure, after police announced earlier this week that they had seized about 3,000 bikes.

Only about 350 of the bikes have been returned to their owners.

Police say they've been hampered because most of the bikes didn't have serial numbers registered.

Police advice not being followed

But at a downtown bicycle shop, some people waiting to pick up their bikes say they're not convinced registering their bikes is necessary.

Jonathan Baum, who owns two bikes, says he thought about registering them, but hasn't because he doubts they'll get stolen.

"I only use my bike for recreation. I'm not locking it up. It's not transportation. It's not exposed to any elements. So it's locked up in my storage room."

Even the workers at the store aren't following the advice.

Jody Brown has directed friends to the registration website, but when it comes to his own bikes, he sees no immediate reason to do it.

"I don't know, it's just one of those things like cleaning out your living room, or cleaning out your kitchen. You always say you're going to do it, but you never get around to it."

Police say registering a bike only takes a few minutes.

"Well you know, it's going to be a lot easier for us because now we know which bike belongs to which individual, and it's simply a matter of taking the serial number of that bike and giving them a call and saying, "Hey we have your bike and come pick it up,'" said Const. Tony Vella.